Location, Location, Location

Location, location, location. It’s all about location. So what does that mean for our skincare? Does geographical location have something to do with skin health and aging? Well, science says so. Based upon a recent study funded by RoC, scientists gathered information to determine and rank the states based upon how susceptible their residents are to skin damage and premature aging based on lifestyle and environmental factors.

How much is your city aging you? This study specifically honed in on the likelihood of wrinkles based upon where you live, how far you commute, and how much the weather takes a toll. The magic formula that measures a state’s vulnerability is called the “wrinkle index.” Predictably, UV exposure has much to do with a state’s ranking, but you might be shocked by the findings.

Surprisingly, sunny states such as Hawaii (#47), Louisiana (#29), and Mississippi (#31) have some of the lowest incidents of skin cancer, and are not among the top twenty-five states with early onset wrinkles.

New York ranked number one ​as most likely to prematurely age due to its citizens being “dissatisfied with life” and “lacking emotional support.” They also happen to have the second longest commute time of all states in the nation, a factor they’ve closely linked to premature aging.

Washington D.C. falls somewhere in the middle. The area harbors negative effects from environmental pollution, binge drinking, and extra long work weeks. But on the plus side, they have the lowest incident of skin cancer.

For the record, we’re not suggesting that you move up to Alaska to look forever young. Drink lots of water, don’t skip the sunscreen, and try to cut down on that commute. It’s all about managing stress and finding balance, because stress is at the top of the list for premature aging causation.